1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The stasis in this play takes place a native american reservation, and details the events of several key females that live there. These women live in Canada in the 80s, they have very limited opportunities economically, socially, or any other way as the reservation is quite isolated. It involves mostly middle ages women. Pelajla, Philomena, Marie-Adele, Annie, Emily, Veronique, and Zhaboonique ; all of whom live on the reservation, and know each other quite well. They are very much into bingo which seems to be the only form of entertainment for these women.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion in the play occurs when the women find out about "THE BIGGEST BINGO IN THE WORLD". This sets off many of the events in the play to occur, and is ultimately why they decided to make their way to Toronto for this massive bingo game.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor in this play is that this is the day that the women decide to leave for the "BIGGEST BINGO IN THE WORLD".
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Annie make it big as a singer?
Will Emily conceive a child?
How will things change now that Marie-Adele has died?
Will Pelajia ever be able to get paved roads in the reservation?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Most of the exposition is revealed through their interactions with each other, but when they go on the trip we see different sides to the women, we discover different aspects of their lives.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
One of the most theatrical moments is when Marie-Adele goes into the spirit word. The interaction with the birds is quite shocking and the transitions that follow are honestly quite sad and envoke a lot of empathy. I'd also say the moment when we see Philomena on the toilet is also quite shocking.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Gender Roles. Identity. Disability and Disease. Sexual Assault/Rape. Domestic Violence.
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
I think it's hard to identify a single character in this play but many of the women see this bingo as an escape, or a sort of life changing event to happen. They all come up to different obstacles, the wheel going flat, as well as their own tension with one another. Sickness is also a major obstacle for Marie-Adele. My personal favorite want is that of Philomena who only desires a nicer lavatory.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the drastically different image of the Bingo at Toronto illustrates the lack of opportunities available to those on the reservation. The image of illustrated through
Zhaboonique's story of the screwdriver is really important as it depicts not only the unjust treatment of women but also perhaps the mentally disabled on the reservation, and elsewhere. The image of Marie-Adele's interaction with the bird is very sad and evokes a lot of emotion.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
All of the women in this play while seemingly hating one another, seem to have a air of mutual respect, and adoration. They still seem to care for one another and are able to see past the little infractions that they encountered with one another.
The stasis in this play takes place a native american reservation, and details the events of several key females that live there. These women live in Canada in the 80s, they have very limited opportunities economically, socially, or any other way as the reservation is quite isolated. It involves mostly middle ages women. Pelajla, Philomena, Marie-Adele, Annie, Emily, Veronique, and Zhaboonique ; all of whom live on the reservation, and know each other quite well. They are very much into bingo which seems to be the only form of entertainment for these women.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion in the play occurs when the women find out about "THE BIGGEST BINGO IN THE WORLD". This sets off many of the events in the play to occur, and is ultimately why they decided to make their way to Toronto for this massive bingo game.
3. What is the unique factor?
The unique factor in this play is that this is the day that the women decide to leave for the "BIGGEST BINGO IN THE WORLD".
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Will Annie make it big as a singer?
Will Emily conceive a child?
How will things change now that Marie-Adele has died?
Will Pelajia ever be able to get paved roads in the reservation?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Most of the exposition is revealed through their interactions with each other, but when they go on the trip we see different sides to the women, we discover different aspects of their lives.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
One of the most theatrical moments is when Marie-Adele goes into the spirit word. The interaction with the birds is quite shocking and the transitions that follow are honestly quite sad and envoke a lot of empathy. I'd also say the moment when we see Philomena on the toilet is also quite shocking.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Gender Roles. Identity. Disability and Disease. Sexual Assault/Rape. Domestic Violence.
8. What does the chief character want and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of her getting what she wants?
I think it's hard to identify a single character in this play but many of the women see this bingo as an escape, or a sort of life changing event to happen. They all come up to different obstacles, the wheel going flat, as well as their own tension with one another. Sickness is also a major obstacle for Marie-Adele. My personal favorite want is that of Philomena who only desires a nicer lavatory.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the drastically different image of the Bingo at Toronto illustrates the lack of opportunities available to those on the reservation. The image of illustrated through
Zhaboonique's story of the screwdriver is really important as it depicts not only the unjust treatment of women but also perhaps the mentally disabled on the reservation, and elsewhere. The image of Marie-Adele's interaction with the bird is very sad and evokes a lot of emotion.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
All of the women in this play while seemingly hating one another, seem to have a air of mutual respect, and adoration. They still seem to care for one another and are able to see past the little infractions that they encountered with one another.